Feds bust one of largest alleged marriage fraud schemes

U.S. prosecutors have charged 11 people in what authorities describe as one of the country’s largest alleged marriage fraud operations, involving more than 1,000 sham marriages over roughly a decade.

According to the Justice Department, the New York City-based network allegedly connected Chinese nationals with U.S. citizens willing to enter fraudulent marriages to help obtain immigration benefits and green cards. Prosecutors say some foreign participants paid up to $100,000, while American citizens could receive as much as $30,000.

Authorities allege the operation ran from 2016 through July 2026, with organizers recruiting participants, preparing immigration paperwork and coaching couples before government interviews. Investigators also say staged wedding photographs and other arrangements were used to make the relationships appear legitimate.

The defendants reportedly included facilitators, recruiters and others who helped coordinate the process. Prosecutors estimate the network may have generated tens of millions of dollars during its alleged decade-long operation.

Officials are now examining whether immigration benefits obtained through the alleged fraudulent marriages can be revoked.

The case highlights the federal government’s growing focus on organized immigration and marriage fraud.

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